The Hourglass Holiday Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes have made their debut for the 2025 holiday season, and they are absolutely stunning! I acquired three out of the four and have already tested them with demos on Instagram. While I do notice numerous repeats and similar hues, I still find these palettes to be gorgeous. At the request of many, I’ve compiled a review along with a few side-by-side comparisons to palettes from previous years.
All the palettes are now officially available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Bluemercury, Ulta Beauty, and Hourglass ($94 each). Each palette is accompanied by a matching dual-ended Ambient Lighting Edit Brush II ($52 each). The Horse Palette is exclusive to Sephora.
Additionally, there are other sets that have been released, including a Face and Eye Travel Brush Set, Best Sellers Set, and Sculpt Gloss Duo. I am interested in the brush set, though they appear to be mini or short handle versions in the promotional images. I still own the Vegan Travel Brush Set (this one includes all full sizes) which I adore and use every week, but the new option this year looks fantastic for a more compact choice.
Deer Palette
The Deer Palette is the lightest choice and I believe it’s a lovely option for a more natural appearance. You can see it in action here. On my medium tan complexion, the shades come off more on the barely-there side, but if I apply a cream or liquid blush beforehand, the powders lay down with slightly more pigment when layered.
- Finishing Powder Dream Light
- Finishing Powder Aura Light (new)
- Bronzer Diffused Bronze Light
- Highlighter Iridescent Strobe Light
- Blush Radiant Peach (new)
- Blush Vibrant Pink (new)
Look featuring the Deer Palette:
I retrieved last year’s Dragon Palette from 2024 swatches for comparison.
Swan Palette
The Swan Palette is the medium tone alternative, and I absolutely love it. While I feel all the shades closely resemble options from prior years (even the new colors), that mauve purple is SO stunning that I believe this is worth considering. If I had to choose one to take on a trip, this one provides the most look options with the three different blush tones. You can see it in action here.
- Finishing Powder Dim Light
- Highlighter Golden Hour (new)
- Bronzer Natural Bronze
- Blush Luminous Coral (new)
- Blush Sunset Flush (new)
- Blush Mauve Fusion (new)
Wearing the same makeup look as the items in the Deer Palette; lip color is the Hourglass Phantom Glossy Balm in Mist, below wearing the Sunset Flush Blush
Below donning Mauve Fusion
I retrieved last year’s Evil Eye Palette 2024 for comparison. I prefer the appearance of last year’s palette, particularly with the pink highlighter, but both are quite lovely.
Horse Palette
The Horse Palette and Brush are exclusively available at Sephora and contain all repeat shades. I believe this is my favorite of the three, but since it features all repeats, you may want to check your collection if you already have many of the prior year’s palettes. You can see it in action here.
- Finishing Powder Soft Light
- Blush Mood Exposure
- Highlighter Supernatural Strobe Light
- Blush Iridescent Coral
- Blush Iridescent Rose
- Bronzer Glistening Bronze Light
The makeup used is the same as stated above, but the lip color is the Unlocked Lipstick in Dahlia. Below featuring Mood Exposure + Glistening Bronze Light.
Below sporting the blush in Iridescent Coral
I found it somewhat challenging to select a palette for comparison but chose to look at swatches from Leopard 2023; I believe there might be others that the Horse 2025 palette closely resembles given the repeats.
Overall, I’m in love. I think the brushes are exquisite and exceptionally well crafted. Based on the feedback I’ve received, opinions are varied. Some of you are completely enamored with the release while others feel there are still too many repeats and similar shades. At this juncture, I certainly don’t need another palette since I’ve amassed the holiday launches for many years. I still eagerly await these releases and get ample use from them. Palettes can be tricky to love since there’s usually one or two shades I’m not particularly fond of, but for these, I can confidently say EVERY single shade is wearable. I appreciate that you can mix and layer as well. They’re fantastic for travel or if you need to pop something in your purse for on-the-go makeup.
I opted out of the darkest palette Fox since the deeper shades are often too intense for me. I’ve seen a myriad of excellent tutorials that make me want to check it out, though. If I end up purchasing it, I’ll provide another review.
The new Hourglass Palettes are now available for purchase. You can find them at Nordstrom, Sephora, Bluemercury, Ulta Beauty, and Hourglass.
**Discovering the 2025 Hourglass Holiday Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes**
As the holiday season draws near, beauty lovers eagerly await the launch of limited-edition collections that promise to infuse a bit of enchantment into their festive appearances. Among the most awaited releases is the 2025 Hourglass Holiday Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes. Renowned for their luxurious and cutting-edge products, Hourglass has once again enchanted the beauty realm with this remarkable collection.
**A Tribute to Light and Glow**
The 2025 Hourglass Holiday Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes exemplify the brand’s dedication to crafting products that enhance natural beauty. These palettes are tailored to impart a radiant, lit-from-within glow, ideal for the holiday period when everyone desires to look their finest.
**Palette Variations**
This year’s collection showcases three distinct palettes, each presenting a unique array of shades catering to various skin tones and tastes. The palettes are:
1. **Ethereal Glow**: This palette is perfect for those who lean towards a soft, understated radiance. It features a combination of cool-toned highlighters, blushes, and bronzers that generate a delicate, ethereal gleam.
2. **Golden Hour**: Ideal for those who appreciate a warm, sun-kissed appearance, this palette presents golden and peachy tones. The mixture of highlighters, blushes, and bronzers in this palette adds warmth and depth to the complexion.
3. **Midnight Radiance**: For those seeking to make a striking impression, the Midnight Radiance palette offers rich, deep colors. With a blend of dramatic highlighters and vibrant blushes, this palette is excellent for evening events and holiday gatherings.
**Innovative Formula**
Hourglass is celebrated for its groundbreaking formulas, and the 2025 Holiday Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes are no different. Each powder is finely milled to ensure a smooth, flawless application. The brand’s Photoluminescent Technology captures and disperses surrounding light, creating a soft-focus effect that blurs imperfections and enhances the skin’s inherent glow.
**Cruelty-Free and Sustainable**
Consistent with Hourglass’s pledge to ethical beauty, the 2025 Holiday Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes are cruelty-free and crafted with sustainability in mind. The packaging is designed to be luxurious yet eco-friendly, embodying the brand’s commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint.
**Versatility and Customization**
One of the key highlights of these palettes is their versatility. Each palette is crafted to be customizable, allowing users to blend and match shades to achieve their desired look. Whether you’re aiming for a natural daytime radiance or a glamorous evening appearance, these palettes provide infinite possibilities.
**Conclusion**
The 2025 Hourglass Holiday Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes are essential for anyone looking to enhance their holiday makeup routine. With their exquisite hues, innovative formulas, and commitment to sustainability, these palettes encapsulate the essence of the season: beauty, joy, and celebration. Whether treating yourself or looking for the perfect gift, these palettes are bound to delight and inspire.
